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Sediment transport to the Fox Chain of Lakes, Illinois

January 1, 1977

Two main tributaries to the Fox Chain of Lakes, the Fox River and Nippersink Creek, were sampled twice weekly and during periods of high runoff to determine the amount of suspended inorganic sediment being transported into the Chain of Lakes. Sediment yields were determined by using the transport-duration technique. It is estimated that 34,100 tons of suspended sediment are transported to the Lakes annually. Of this, 16,100 tons were from the Fox River and 14,400 tons from Nippersink Creek. Based on drainage-area ratios, it is estimated that the additional 3,600 tons were from Squaw Creek, a minor tributary. Assuming a density of 50 lbs/ft3, it would take an average of 200 years to deposit 1 foot of sediment throughout the entire Chain of Lakes.

Publication Year 1977
Title Sediment transport to the Fox Chain of Lakes, Illinois
DOI 10.3133/ofr77867
Authors Timothy P. Brabets
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Open-File Report
Series Number 77-867
Index ID ofr77867
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse